When is it necessary to have surgery for a hernia?

Surgery is necessary for a hernia that contains a trapped loop of intestine, called an incarcerated hernia, or that contains an intestinal loop cut off from its blood supply, which is a strangulated hernia and requires immediate attention, according to WebMD. Other small hernias may not require surgery.

All hernias develop when a weakness or opening in the abdominal wall combined with pressure forces a tissue or an organ to protrude into the weak spot or opening. If a patient is not experiencing pain or discomfort, or if it is feasible to push the hernia back into the abdomen, the patient may decide against undergoing surgery, notes WebMD.